SALISBURY, NC - The Elizabeth City State men's and women's cross country teams returned the course to compete in the 2026 Blue Bear Cross Country Invitational, Friday morning. When the dust settled and the miles were run, the Vikings' men's team placed sixth at the meet while the women's team earned a seventh place finish. 

As a team, the Vikings' men's team earned 123 total points in the meet. For the second straight week, sophomore Joshua White led the team with a 21:13.4 in the men's 5K run. Fellow junior Malachi Nixon placed right behind him with a 21:15.9. 

The Vikings' women's team also had a solid effort with 181 points. Freshman Amariah Stewart led the way once again with a 13.21.9 in the women's 3K run. Fellow freshman Ja'Nyla Pierce ran a 17:16.6 in the event. 

The ECSU cross country teams will return to action next weekend when they head to Newport News, Virginia to take part in the Christopher Newport University Invitational. 

For more information on Elizabeth City State cross country, contact the ECSU Office of Athletics Media Relations or log on to www.ECSUVikings.com.